Book Review: Living in Style by Rachel Zoe

I bought Rachel Zoe's book "Living in Style" a year ago and skimmed through it, but never had a chance to read it. I've been making an effort to sit down and read more this summer, and so I finally had the opportunity to read it. I was not disappointed!

I have always admired Rachel Zoe's personal style, celeb styling work and success in building a fashion empire. This book is as well organized as Rachel's office and home! Chapters are as follows: Fashion is my Everything, Define your Style, Detail Oriented, Getting Gorgeous, The White House, The Good Life, Let's Have a Party and Going Places. 

Image via The Zoe Report

My favorite chapters:

Define your Style

"I'm not staring at your shoes. Really. People who don't know me assume that I judge everyone's outfits, from head to toe - not true. In fact, I'm never critical. I appreciate your individual style and that has little to do with who can collect the most expensive designer bags or ankle boots... In fashion, anyone can put together an amazing look - even on a dime." And I love that sense of democracy. All you need is a go-to signature style."

This chapter inspired me to think about my complete style and I wholeheartedly agree that it is not about who has the most expensive pieces. The looks I often receive the most compliments on are the looks that came from Value Village or My Sister's Closet in Vancouver. 

"Once you have found your fashion comfort zone, take a risk." 

I definitely have a fashion comfort zone and it's possible I've been stuck there! In the last few years, I have minimized my style to silver jewelry, minimal accessories and clean lines. I often feel that this doesn't represent my fun and energetic personality. Rachel's love of gold jewelry and bold accessories inspired me to break out of my fashion comfort zone and buy this gold necklace (featured in the last image of the post) from Tribal Rhythm Vintage on Queen Street.

Detail Oriented

This chapter inspired me to think about my wardrobe in ways I hadn't in the past few years. I always have emphasized the importance of accessories, but don't think I had been truly thinking about accessories for myself. Rachel details her love of accessories and how she accessories different outfits for different seasons and occasions. Some of the things I'll be thinking about, in more depth over the next little while, will be gloves for the fall, new ways to wear hats, and more importantly, belts. When talking about belts, Rachel described one of her favorite looks to be "a fitted, ribbed black turtleneck with white pants and a gold chain belt." This is not something I would typically gravitate to wearing, but made me stop and think... "could I?"

The Good Life

I enjoyed reading this chapter on how Rachel prioritizes work and family. Lives are busy these days and whether you have a family or not, it's important to think about how to prioritize the people and commitments in your life.. At the same time, she reminded me that despite all the busyness, "Sometimes, you have to put aside the to-do list and raise a glass to all the good things in life."

Going Places

I love all things travel. Period. I enoyed how Rachel featured designers, describing their favorite travel destinations for relaxation and inspiration. Favorites were Brian Atwood on Mykonos, Prabal Gurung on Nepal, Peter Dundas on Venice and Kate and Laura Mulleavy on Florence. 

If you're looking for a visually appealing and inspiring read, check this out! 

As per Rachel's request, I took the need to push my fashion comfort

zone, by buying this necklace!

 Wearing a new necklace inspired from reading Rachel Zoe's book 

Necklace from Tribal Rhythm Vintage

Book Review: Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible

You may know Tim Gunn, from his work on Project Runway, as a host, mentor and advisor to the designers. You may also know him as the Chief Creative Office of Liz Claiborne, past Dean of Parsons or as host of his self-named TV show Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. Tim Gunn's career continues to sky rocket and he amazes us with his fashion knowledge, enthusiasm and genuine interest in ensuring everyone has access to fashion history and fashion tips that we can all apply to our daily lives! 

Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible is not his first venture into the world of fashion books. In 2007, he released A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style, co-written with Kate Moloney. My sister sent me his latest book (Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible) as a gift and it has been a pleasure to read and also made me really think about the items I own in my closet and their origins. Tim provides a history of all of the major garments we wear today and his take on how they should be worn today as well. He emphasizes the importance of history, but always brings a sense of humor and truth to it. I have read/seen many great fashion history books, but haven't read a lot about American designers, to be honest. This is one of the exact reasons Tim chose to focus on Western fashion history in his book:

"I am especially concerned that American fashion not be forgotten...When I look through Project Runway applications, I am always struck by how few American designers are cited in the influences section. Invariably, the only designers they name are Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior, and Coco Chanel... You rarely see American designers listed. If you do, it's usually Donna Karan. (I don't understand why people don't write Michael Kors - even just in their own political self-interest.)" 

Having always loved fashion and written about fashion for six years on Clothes Line Finds, I have gained a lot of knowledge of what works and why, but there is always more to learn. I specifically learned important "how-tos" such as figure slimming techniques by shape, how to buy a great pair of jeans based on your body size, hat etiquette, investment pieces, accessory "how-tos", dress fittings and more. Tim is ever inspiring and realistic as well. Fashion can be confusing and difficult to interpret for those who aren't immersed in it. He breaks it all down by item of clothing, shares his honesty (he hates cargo capris!) and also brings some truly talented American designers to light, for instance, Claire McCardell, Bill Blass and Pauline Trigère, to name a few.

Overall, I found this to be a highly informative history of fashion, with some fantastic words of advice from Mr. Tim Gunn. I would highly recommend this book whether you are involved in the fashion world or not. Bravo Tim Gunn! As always, we love you!

Image 1 above source

Image 2 above source 

Image 3 source 

Nicole Kidman for Jimmy Choo

Nicole Kidman is no stranger to being the face of popular luxury brand campaigns. With a history of representing brands like Chanel and Omega, it's perfectly fitting that she be the new face of Jimmy Choo, and with a new look too!

In the latest behind the scenes campaign video on Vogue UK she says she is "always partial to a thigh-high boot [and] definitely a boot girl". As you can see from the photos below, she rocks the boot and oversized coat look. Not sure if it makes me want the boots, coat or bag more!

Nicole plays a tougher role in these glamorous campaign shots; she wears dramatic make up and a fierce look. I love the tousled bob they have given her and of course the fabulous heels with simple but very chic looks that include the trench, the strappy black dress and the shapely oversized black coat. 

What do you think of the latest Jimmy Choo campaign?

Images via Vogue UK

Sarah Jessica Parker to Launch Shoe Line with Manolo Blahnik

Happy Monday all! Still one more Intrepid post to go, but in the meantime thought this news would bring you some excitement on an overcast Monday.

Fifteen years after Sex and the City debuted, Sarah Jessica Parker announced that she will be collaborating with Manolo Blahnik to launch an accessories line titled SJP. The line will include shoes, bags and trench coats in new unique color combinations. The label is inspired by Charles Jourdan, Maud Frizon and will be priced between $200 and $700. The line will be available early next year and will be available exclusively through Nordstrom. This line will be produced entirely in New York City and Europe which is one of the many reasons I support this line! Can't wait to see the result - can you?

Source

The Oscars: Best Dressed 2013 - Top Picks!

Hope you all had a great weekend!  Loved the red carpet this year; lots of great looks.  I watched the Associated Press live stream via their website to see all the looks!   There were interviews with all of the stars and live video of the looks as they arrived on the red carpet.  Here are a few of my favorites from this evening!

Amy Adam

Not a fan of this color on her, but love the look!

Zoe Saldana

My favorite of the evening!

Charlize Theron

George Clooney and Stacy Keibler

Jessica Chastain

Naomi Watts

Jane Fonda always looks smashing!

Halle Berry

Images via people.com and Just Jared

Celebs in Black and White - Janelle Monáe

Black and white has got me inspired!  I have found myself wearing a lot of black and white in the last few weeks and have no idea why, other than the fact that it's different and makes me stand out.  It puts a spring in my step and makes me feel put together and confident.

Janelle Monáe has boldly worn black and white for the past seven years!  She is an inspiration!  I've included her speech from the 2012 Black Girls Rock Awards where she talks about the reasons behind why she wears a uniform.  Before Janelle got her big break she was a maid - her family also worked jobs that require uniforms and so she wears her uniform to honor them.  She gives some great words of wisdom for women - especially for us all starting a new week and Monday!

"I have work to do, I have people to uplift, I have people to inspire and today I wear my uniform proudly as a Cover Girl.  I didn't have to change who I was to become a Cover Girl."

"Embrace what makes you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable. I believe it's our uniqueness and our unique ideas that make us rock!"

I searched through Hollywoodlife.com and found that many celebs wear black and white on the red carpet as well.  There are some fantastic looks!  See a few more videos below: one of Janelle talking about her love for black and white and another from Fabsugar.com that features a few tips on how to make it work with your wardrobe!

Janelle Monae

Duchess Kate

Marion Cotillard

Blake Lively

Victoria Beckham

Diane Kruger

Scarlett Johansson

Cameron Diaz

Angelina Jolie

Marion Cotillard

Kristen Stewart

Eva Longoria

Jessica Alba

Michelle Williams

Images from Hollywoodlife.com

Currently Loving Jessica Biel's Total Recall Style

Jessica Biel has been traveling the globe for her latest film "Total Recall".  The film "Total Recall" is a remake of a 1990 film inspired by a 1966 short story ("We Can Remember it for Wholesale") and directed by Len Wiseman of the "Underworld" films. She has really grown into her style and is starting to make more bold fashion choices.  Love her bangs and the structured garments that flatter her figure.  The touches of color brought out with her shoes are also a very fresh spin on traditional styling.  While the film may not be turning many heads (See Rotten Tomatoes reviews), at least Jessica Biel's fashion is! Happy Friday all, I am off to New York again for another week.  Stay tuned for more great posts!

In Dior

In Elie Saab in Berlin

In London

Mugler skirt and Joe's Tee

Christian Cota

In Elie Saab

In Zac Posen in Dublin

Not for Total Recall but Love this Look!

Dior